Working on the Streaker (the Beast aka Killer)

[BigWes]

Alright, it's been a good six weeks since I rolled the Beast and burnt my arm and now I am mostly healed enough to get back to it so...

Oh yea...before I forget. The crash is why I started calling it killer. I usually let other people ride my karts and I often offer them up to the local kids to ride so long as they behave and stay within eyesight and my supervision. I won't let anyone ride anything I think might be dangerous. So I call it killer and it's off limits. At least till I get the thing into a more manageable configuration.

Backstory. When I first bought this thing...ok, lemme back up, I found it on FB marketplace, guy wanted 200 bucks for it I think, something like that. Maybe it was 150.

Anyway, I drove over an hour to find this dude's house like at the south corner of Alabama, Georgia, north Florida state lines, talk about the boonies. I swear I could hear some banjos. Pulled into the yard. Pitbulls everywhere. Yea, not good. It was rough. Tires were all flat. He said the only thing wrong was the pull cord. Heck, the engine wouldn't even turn over. I started to just get back into the truck and leave but he was almost begging me to buy it and I had already drove a long way and I knew it had potential.. So I told him help me get it in the truck. Crap it was heavy. He said it would run 40 mph. My initial thoughts were straight up bull****...yes I called bull****...

This is it as I pulled into the first gas station back into civilization after I picked it up.



This is when I officially named it the beast. It is big nasty and ugly. It has some cheap knockoff engine on it which is about to be taken off here in a few minutes because something happened to it in the crash.



it still cranks easy and it runs well, it just doesn't seem to make full speed. I need to go through it anyway. I have plans to install a key start Tilly anyway. But for today I have a 212 I wanna throw on it. And the last guys or someone in the past cross threaded the sparkplug in the head anyways. I took out about half the threads when I removed the old one. I am considering TiG welding the head...I haven't decided yet, maybe just put a coil in yet...I don't know if I like a Lifan or not.

....continued....

 

[BigWes]

So this is it when I got it home that night, sitting in the yard...









as you can see...it needed some work.

I got it running that night.

And I drove it.

And I drive the living sh!t out of it!!!

And I have been working on it ever since.

 

[BigWes]

I put new brakes on it already.





And lubed the diff...









...continued...

 

[BigWes]

I Did have to replace the driven on it, the PO had a combo of mixed parts. He had a series 20 and series 30...that didn't work well together.

But anyway, right now it is in the garage and I am taking a break from the S. Alabama heat and typing this out for everyone to enjoy.

Here it is now in the garage. Post wreck. Notice the toe-out in the front end. I already welded the cracked spindle arms. I don't know if that was wreck damage or not. I think one side was but not the other. Look over your karts occasionally. I think that is a good idea.



First order of business, remove the redneck killswitch that put the dinner plate sized bruise on my leg during the wreck. I knew I should have removed it when I got the thing home...but I was a dumbass and I didn't.



Oh yea, see that switch and that ground lug? Ripped a big hole in my jeans. Lucky it didn't rip a hole into my leg. I have muscular legs so I think that helped a lot. The top few layers of skin went with my jeans though.





Switch removed and rusty bolt removed. Also jagged holes cleaned up. I don't know why people can't debur the holes they drill. Someone got carried away with a drill on this kart. I may have to weld some of these holes up. Haven't made up my mind yet.

...continue...

 

[BigWes]

A while back I found some better seat rails in the scrap metal bin at work. I took a chance and took them home. They were a direct match for the rusted broken ones on the Beast

So I swapped them out a few days back. Today is a good day to trim the bolts down. I don't like the way the bolts stick up and it simply isn't needed anyway.



Nothing a cutting wheel can't take care of.

Now is a good time for me to remind some of you guys to be safe with your tools. But also and this is very important as well, when using air tools guys don't forget to oil your tools! I have some cheap air tools and I have some more pricier air tools. They will all last longer when they are cared for! Especially the cheaper Harbor Freight air tools...want them to last? Soak them down with some oil! Spool them up for a few seconds then wipe up the mess and go to work...just that simple!

Bolts shortened to a reasonable level and I won't have to worry about getting shanked by one!



...continued...

 

[BigWes]

Ok...I have never used one of these wheels before....



Holy Smokes!!!!!

BAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

THIS THING!!!!!







Is freak nasty evil!!! I gotta pull the seat and take it off. Go outside and put a mask on and better safety glasses!!!

The only downside is it seems to be breaking apart somewhat!!!

Go figure.

I ask the forum. Is there a longer lasting forum to the wheel pictured above that does the same work? Removing paint and rust in a timely fashion?

Thanks!

That's all for now.

Gonna go back to the garage before my wife gets home.

 

[JTSpeedDemon]

A flap disc might work instead without removing too much of the metal.

 

[BigWes]

A flap disc might work instead without removing too much of the metal.

Nope, and I love a flapwheel. I've already ruined one trying to remove paint from my various project karts. Seems to me the paint just loads up the sanding material as the wheel gets hot. Like it melts and turns into plastic and clogs it up and it's done. The remover above is fast and aggressive. Flapwheel seems to sand bare metal great. Hmm. We shall see.

 

[BigWes]

Ok, update...

Time hasn't passed unspent. Not as much done as I wanted. lots of reasons but none very good. Except for the heat.

It's hot. Only June and well into the high 90's and into the 100's in my work area. So I do some things well into the night after the temp goes down.

Some pics for updates not much done just some planning and maybe thoughts and suggestions are always welcome whether I take them or not.

Ok, so I removed both pedals, both tie rods, and both spindles. I haven't decided if I am going to grind off my emergency repair welds and start over on the spindles or just replace them...I'll grind them down and go from there.



As you can see in this picture the pedals did not want to come off. I just bought that impact wrench pictured above. It was on clearance at the local TSC. I think I paid like 69 bucks for it. I realize it has a poly housing and I had my doubts but when I couldn't budge that nut with a regular air ratchet I decided to give it a go with that impact. Snapped the bolt. Spun the other side right off. As you can see by the bolts they are no good anyway. These pedals are beat to crap.



The bolts are welded to the pedals. I like these pedals. I looked online. There are a lot that look alike but not exact. I want to keep these. I am going to rework these the best I can I think.



And here is the front floor pan. It's primarily intact. It has weld spots here and there for whatever reasons I have no idea. and holes from weld burns too. I think I will keep it and work around the bad spots and put something down over it. I have a few ideas. Maybe rivet some alum diamond...dont know yet.



Wes...

 

[BigWes]

So I did finally get around to working on those pedals. I was able to work them out fairly well I think.

This is what they looked like after I ground the head of the bolt off and punched the bolt shank out at the vice. I tried to be frugal with my sanding wheel as I got down close to the pedal. No need to get crazy. I also straightened them up on the vice best I could.



Here they are again air drying after an acetone bath. I had just blasted them with coal slag from a hand blaster...don't waste your money...get a real media blaster...bad call on my part...



South Alabama Paint Booth...speaks for itself!



Wes...

 

[BigWes]

And this one will be for another thread down the road, who knows, it's basically the same frame design...the PO from long ago really hacked it up and it's kinda sad really....

It's part of the reason I have not been working on my current project.

So we have excuse number 2, the first was it's hot, then I have been driving back and forth trying to get this thing...

The seat guards have been hacked off, the seat riser, the slides, and seat were hacked. The seat back and bottom was welded onto the frame. The are various cracks here and there. The rear disc is bent along with the sprocket; imagine that thanks to the wrong wheels in the back but I do have the right ones just missing one of the hubs

And what was done to the jackshaft was an atrocity. I know, a modular TC will solve that issue but I like a 7 inch driven pulley and a jackshaft makes that easy to do.

But...I have an engine. I am thinking a GPS sprocket hub that will take the 2 piece sprockets so I can play. Either a new disc or maybe I can BFH the thing and see if I can straighten it out...it's not bad really...and they don't cost much anyways...I could always just make one too...

But tell me what you guys think on the kart...leave it or try and somewhat restore it back to old school Ken-Bar?

 

[landuse]

I have enjoyed reading this thread. I don't know how I missed it. You are coming along nicely with Killer. I love those huge balloon tyres on the back. For the floor pan, you could always spray it with some truck bed liner. That rubber stuff. That would cover all the weld holes and stuff that you spoke about, while looking good as well

I like that other kart of yours too. You seem to have the skills and know-how to revive it, so it will be another good addition to the fleet once you are done.

I will be following your progress.

 

[Hellion]

Probably not worth it to restore the other kart back to its former glory--it might be worth it to you of course, but Ken-Bar hasn't yet reached cult 'classic go kart' status like the Dart Karts and the McCullochs, etc.

Watch the video for Don Knotts but stay for the buxom trophy girl at the end...

McCulloch Kart Promotion 1961:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_6ffiMYhc

 

[BigWes]

Probably not worth it to restore the other kart back to its former glory--it might be worth it to you of course, but Ken-Bar hasn't yet reached cult 'classic go kart' status like the Dart Karts and the McCullochs, etc.

Watch the video for Don Knotts but stay for the buxom trophy girl at the end...

McCulloch Kart Promotion 1961:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_6ffiMYhc

They don't make'm like that anymore do they...

Um...I don't think the inside wheel of that kart was even touching the ground when he went around the track ...

I don't know...it might not be so hard to kinda get it back to a more or less original config...at least the seat rails and guards...I have a set of slide adjusters, if I had an old original type seat frame I'd definitely go for it.

Thanks to both of you for your comments landuse and hellion

Wes

 

[BigWes]

Last night I sprayed some primer on the pedals and sanded a sprayed again... I'm not a painter.

Rust-Oleum black primer in the rattle can. Seems crappy to me and I also just probably ain't doing it right. But it's there now.

I'll tack the bolts in later. I have to be in the mood to setup the welder. 2 bolts...meh...I like messing with that thing... again, I'm not a welder but somehow I turn that thing on and it turns into hours later...

Looking at the area next to the pedals in the picture I have to wonder if someone had a battery mounted there in the past. The square outline of corrosion and crappy welds has me wondering.



A better view of where I am guessing a battery box or something was placed...you guys are welcome to speculate as well.



Pedals mocked up. It's something I guess.





Oh yeah, I'm gonna have to fix this. Gonna be a pain in my butt too. Both sides have the same wear. Excessive play goes back into the brakes and the throttle at the point of travel when the return springs on the pedal rods start to give user feedback. Makes for bad feel and hard to adjust out...a slang term for it would be sloppy controls...we hate that... I do anyway...

I have a few different ideas...we shall see




Wes

 

[BigWes]

Ok I managed a few more minor chores this evening. Pulled the engine and the jackshaft plate off. In some strange way, and I don't quite know why, it was kinda saddening to rip the heart out of the Beast.

But, it's out and the Beast is now officially... well I just can't say it...

You know...all this sh!t stripped off this frame...this d@mn thing still heavy as all h3ll.

I know...I still need the tires off...but d@mn...







The above pics show the frame, the jackshaft plate, and the old Lifan sitting in the grass. I have a video of me running it right the in the yard on the ground if anyone wants me to upload it.

Just let me know.

Wes

 

[landuse]

Still looking good

And yes....we like vids too

 

[Functional Artist]

Last night I sprayed some primer on the pedals and sanded a sprayed again... I'm not a painter.

Rust-Oleum black primer in the rattle can. Seems crappy to me and I also just probably ain't doing it right. But it's there now.

I'll tack the bolts in later. I have to be in the mood to setup the welder. 2 bolts...meh...I like messing with that thing... again, I'm not a welder but somehow I turn that thing on and it turns into hours later...

Looking at the area next to the pedals in the picture I have to wonder if someone had a battery mounted there in the past. The square outline of corrosion and crappy welds has me wondering.

View attachment 108193

A better view of where I am guessing a battery box or something was placed...you guys are welcome to speculate as well.

View attachment 108194

Pedals mocked up. It's something I guess.



View attachment 108195

Oh yeah, I'm gonna have to fix this. Gonna be a pain in my butt too. Both sides have the same wear. Excessive play goes back into the brakes and the throttle at the point of travel when the return springs on the pedal rods start to give user feedback. Makes for bad feel and hard to adjust out...a slang term for it would be sloppy controls...we hate that... I do anyway...

I have a few different ideas...we shall see


View attachment 108196

Wes

Hey Wes,

Your pedals came out nice.

To fix the "sloppy" pedal bolt holes I have drilled them out & inserted a brass bushing.

I already had some & wanted to see if they would work
...yup, but being brass, they wear after a while

or

I have also just drilled the "sloppy" holes bigger then, inserted & welded a piece of appropriate size piece of steel tube in.
...kinda strengthens the frame there a bit too.

 

[BigWes]

Hey Wes,

Your pedals came out nice.

To fix the "sloppy" pedal bolt holes I have drilled them out & inserted a brass bushing.

I already had some & wanted to see if they would work
...yup, but being brass, they wear after a while

or

I have also just drilled the "sloppy" holes bigger then, inserted & welded a piece of appropriate size piece of steel tube in.
...kinda strengthens the frame there a bit too.

Thanks...

I actually thought maybe to insert steel tube and weld around it then drill back to size. Also thought about trying to find a hardened steel sleeve bushing...drill out and push through and weld into place. With full support it would likely never wear out. Maybe bake some moly onto the bolt shank prior to install and sop a little antiseize compound on it to to prevent any long term sticking. Some Teflon lined hat bushings would be outstanding... I'll see what I can find in my travels...

Wes...

 

[BigWes]

Since you guys say you like videos... I had pulled the engine off the Beast last night to get it out of the way so I thought I would fire it up for a minute and play around with it and video it running for the heck of it. I know I was abusing the old thing a bit but it's old and it's tuff and I am not overly concerned about it...not that I am going to purposely going to sling it apart because I am not. But anyway... Here it is. Don't hard time me too much. It was kinda hard to crank back up without being bolted down, especially when it kicked back on me that first time...you can hear me say 'that hurt' in the video lol but that old engine still runs good and has a sweet tone to it! I did take a jet out of a predator carb and put into it...bigger passage than what it had in it and I run 100LL in all of my air cooled non-epa engines so they tend to run well without issue in the southern alabama heat. No carb issues either.

https://youtu.be/n_Puyz-YJfc